~ Hello From Mrs. O

Category Archives: cirque du soleil

Dreaming has always been a thread I continue to tug at in almost all aspects of my life. I enjoy following the Fellinis of the world, it was my interest in capturing color, character and emotion that lead me to pursue photography in the first place. Finding “like minded” people can be reassuring most days. Finding inspiration in the work of people you admire is necessary. I remember seeing my first Pina Bausch (dance/theater) performance and feeling as though I knew exactly what I needed to do and that it not only existed but was do-able. When I saw my first Cirque du Soleil show, I was again, connecting to something that inspired me, a performance as individual as I always wanted to be.

When the call came from Elegant Affairs Caterers to photograph the premiere party for the Banana Shpeel show in 2010. I was flying high and as nervous as a performer on opening night. The call came again this year, this time to photograph the premiere party for Zarkana. I grew up going to see Barnum and Bailey Circus, I even interviewed with them for a possible internship during my first year in NY in 1993. I was ready to take the position until my ex at the time declared that people would believe I was actually “in” the circus and not working behind the scenes. At the time, that seemed like good advice so I declined the offer and went with a Broadway PR firm instead. That same year my mom took me to my first Cirque performance on Randall’s Island.

Discovering Cirque du Soleil opened my senses, redefined the traditional circus act I was use to and offered up a world of inspiration to me as an artist. These are few of my favorite roaming characters and scenes from the party, guests were invited to be apart of the freak show. I never thought I would get closer than my usual seats somewhere in the mezzanine but I guess I belong here, with the dreamers, performers, the strange and beautiful souls that continue to take our breath away.